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This research investigates the use of mixed cotton stalk and sugar beet pulp microsilage in sheep feed to enhance growth performance and meat quality.

May 6, 2026Open Access

Effects of Mixed Cotton Stalk and Sugar Beet Pulp Microsilage on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, Muscle Metabolism, and Intestinal Microbiota in Suffolk Rams

Key Points

This research investigates the use of mixed cotton stalk and sugar beet pulp microsilage in sheep feed to enhance growth performance and meat quality.
Eighty-four Suffolk rams were randomly assigned to four groups with varying levels of feed replacement.
The study involved a 120-day feeding trial to assess multiple growth and quality metrics.
Muscle metabolomics was analyzed using LC-MS and intestinal microbiota with 16S rRNA sequencing.
The MS60 group showed significantly higher carcass weight and meat tenderness compared to the control group.
Fatty acid composition improved with a reduction in saturated fatty acids and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids.
Alterations in jejunal microbiota were evident, particularly with increased Patescibacteria and decreased Bifidobacterium.

Abstract

In modern intensive mutton sheep farming, the high cost and limited supply of conventional feed resources necessitate the exploration of sustainable alternatives. Cotton stalks and sugar beet pulp, abundant agricultural by-products in China, have potential as ruminant feed after proper fermentation treatment, yet their systematic application in sheep production remains underinvestigated. This study evaluated the effects of replacing whole-plant corn microsilage with mixed fermented feed (cotton stalks and sugar beet pulp, 1:1 dry matter ratio) on Suffolk rams (n = 84, 4 months old). Animals were randomly assigned to four groups: control (CK, 0% replacement), MS30 (30% replacement), MS60 (60% replacement), and MS90 (90% replacement). After a 15-day adaptation, the 120-day feeding trial assessed growth performance, slaughter characteristics, meat quality, muscle metabolomics (LC-MS), and jejunal microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing). The MS60 group significantly outperformed the CK group in final body weight, carcass weight, and net weight gain (p < 0.01), slaughter rate (p < 0.05), and meat tenderness (p < 0.05). Fatty acid composition was optimized, with lower SFAs (p < 0.01) and higher MUFAs (p < 0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 206 differentially abundant metabolites, with significant enrichment in linoleic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and primary bile acid synthesis pathways. The MS60 group exhibited significantly altered jejunal microbiota structure (p < 0.05), including increased Patescibacteria abundance (p < 0.05) and decreased Bifidobacterium (p < 0.001). Replacing 60% of whole-plant corn microsilage with cotton stalk–beet pulp mixed microsilage effectively improved production performance, meat quality, and fatty acid profiles in Suffolk rams, while modulating muscle metabolism and intestinal microbiota structure. These findings provide a practical strategy for sustainable sheep farming utilizing regional agricultural by-products.

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